Deadline: 30-Sep-21
The Launch Online is inviting applications for its Grant program that provides funding to British Columbia-based business to create an online shop or an online booking system and/or improve their existing online operations to attract new local customers and expand to new markets.
The program supports a rapid response for businesses and is accepting applications from businesses ready to start and finish their online shop within 12 weeks.
To support B.C.’s economic recovery and small and medium sized business growth, the program will provide financial support to B.C.-based small and medium sized businesses that need an online shop or an online booking system better serve their customers and to reach new customers.
The funding is intended to help accelerate businesses to move to selling their products or services online as operating models and customer expectations are changing.
With an online model in place, businesses will be better positioned to gain access to local customers and reach markets otherwise out of reach.
Scope
Expenses to build an online shop or an online booking system, to improve existing e-commerce or online booking platforms and digital customer acquisition activities, are eligible for funding.
The grant will pay for up to 75% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $7,500 per business.The grant recipient must cover 25% of the cost, which can be covered from other programs or directly by the businesses.
- Up-to 30% of funds will be reserved black, Indigenous and people of color owned businesses and businesses operating outside of the lower mainland and greater Victoria.
- The funds must be used to hire B.C.-based company(ies) develop the online store or online booking system.
Funding Information
- The maximum grant amount is $7,500 per business, which can be used to cover up-to 75% of eligible expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet ?all of the following ?general eligibility criteria:
- The business is owned by a B.C. resident or residents;
- The business’s sole or primary operations are located in B.C.
- The business:
- Is currently operating;
- Is registered in B.C.
- Employs up to 149 B.C. residents;
- Pays taxes in B.C.
- Maintains a
- Federal business number
- GST number
- PST and WorkSafeBC number (where applicable)
- Generated sales of more than $30,000 in the past year (in 2019, or in the year preceding the application)
- One of the following applies:
- Does not currently have an online store or has an online store that has no more than three of the five identified online store features optimized
- Customer registration and information security features
- Shopping cart and order management capabilities
- Payment processing options including application of appropriate taxes and shipping costs at time of ordering
- Product catalogue, search and inventory status
- Website analytics and reporting capabilities
- OR
- Does not currently have an online booking system or has an online booking system that has no more than three of the five identified online booking features optimized
- Customer registration and information security features
- Schedule navigation and reservation management capabilities.
- Payment processing options including application of appropriate taxes at time of ordering, if applicable
- Automated replies and reminders
- Website analytics and reporting capabilities.
For more information, visit https://launchonline.ca/
